Digital Camera Home > Digital Camera Reviews > FujiFilm Digital Cameras > Fuji FinePix 4900 Zoom

Fuji FinePix 4900 Zoom Fujifilm extends its consumer digicam, with a 6x optical zoom lens and extensive exposure controls. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet FinePix 4900 Zoom Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on FinePix 4900 Zoom Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 10/7/2000

Video Out
US and Japanese versions of the 4900 Zoom come with an NTSC video cable for connection to a television set. (We assume that European models come set up for the PAL video standard.) Images can be reviewed on the television screen or recorded to video tape. You can also use the television as an enlarged version of the LCD display for composing and capturing images.


Power
The 4900 Zoom uses an NP-80 rechargeable (lithium-ion) battery for power, and comes with an AC adapter that doubles as a battery charger. Fujifilm estimates that a fully charged battery should provide approximately 100 minutes of recording or playback time when using the LCD monitor, and approximately 120 minutes of time when using the LCD viewfinder. Because much of the 4900 Zoom's operation depends on the LCD display, we suggest purchasing an additional battery and keeping it charged and on-hand at all times. Through the Setup menu, you can activate the Auto Power Save option, which sets the camera to turn itself off after two or five minutes of inactivity.

Operating Mode	Power Drain
Capture Mode, w/LCD	720 mA
Capture Mode, eyelevel LCD	580 mA
Half-pressed shutter w/LCD	720 mA
Half-pressed, eyelevel LCD	520 mA
Memory Write (transient)	720 mA
Flash Recharge (transient)	1100 mA
Image Playback	490 mA

Overall, power consumption is about typical of the two to three megapixel digicams we've tested. We were surprised to see the relatively small difference in power consumption between the large rear-panel LCD screen and the tiny eyelevel viewfinder LCD. There's a savings, but still a significant power drain. (Another argument in favor of conventional optical viewfinders, in our humble opinion.) Based on the approximately 4 watt-hour capacity of the NP-80 battery, we think Fuji's run time numbers should be pretty accurate.


Included Software
A software CD packaged with the 4900 Zoom contains the Utilities for Fujifilm Digital Camera software package, compliant with Windows and Macintosh operating systems. This utility package includes a USB driver, the Exif Viewer, and DP Editor, which allow you to download images and perform minor corrections. Windows users have a slightly better deal than Mac users, as additional software is included on the CD for PCs. Adobe PhotoDeluxe and Adobe ActiveShare provide even more image editing tools for Windows users, as well as some creative filters for digitally enhancing your images. Mac users will unfortunately need to purchase these programs separately, or choose a more comprehensive application, such as Adobe PhotoShop LE (Limited Edition).